UK Government Bans iPads and Smartphones from Cabinet Meetings

The UK government is taking all the precautions necessary against cyber spying. That is why it is banning all smartphones and tablets from cabinet meetings. The reason is that they may come with Trojan viruses attached.

Until recently, the UK government had been on an electronic shopping spree for its cabinet ministers. Even the Prime Minister, David Cameron got a custom-made tablet for his everyday needs. But now it is just the opposite. The government does not allow any smartphones or iPads in meetings where sensitive issues are being discussed.

The Foreign Secretary said, “I think my phone has been modified by GCHQ enough that it'd be difficult, but I'm sure the Chinese have had a good go,” according to The Independent.

It fears that spies in countries like Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan may be eavesdropping on conversations going on between government officials. A volley of iPads was seized outside government premises the previous week. Then there are further safety measures. Special lead-lined boxes have become the latest fashion among government employees. They protect their mobile devices from becoming transmitters during meetings.

Although espionage is as old as mankind’s history on earth, it has of late taken on a brand new air. Especially with the spying scandal regarding the NSA and PRISM out in the open, it is only natural that everyone fears being under observation by someone else. And besides the Third World countries that are under suspicion, there is the FBI which is the biggest culprit in these matters.

Russia has been found guilty of surreptitiously hearing the conversations of G20 members in the Summit held in St Petersburg. And the United States is no saint either since it was found that Angela Merkel’s smart phone was being tapped by the lone superpower of the Global Village.